Daijiworld Media Network – Shillong

Shillong, Apr 25: Meghalaya Police have busted a vehicle theft network allegedly involving minors and recovered two stolen scooters from West Jaintia Hills district near the Bangladesh border, officials said.

The breakthrough came during an investigation into the theft of a scooty from Ialong Civil Hospital in Jowai town.

Police said CCTV footage helped identify a suspect vehicle, following which an intensive patrolling operation led to the interception of the vehicle and detention of five occupants, including four minors.

During questioning, one of the minors reportedly disclosed that the stolen two-wheeler had been taken to Pdengshakap village, located close to the international border.

A police team later recovered the vehicle after completing legal formalities.

In a related development, another stolen two-wheeler, reported missing from Nongmensong in Shillong, was also traced to the same village and recovered.

Both vehicles have been shifted to the Phramer Traffic Cell for further legal action.

Officials said the involvement of minors and the recovery of the vehicles from a border location have raised suspicions of a possible cross-border smuggling network dealing in stolen two-wheelers.

Police said investigations are under way to determine the wider extent of the racket and any links to smuggling routes across the Bangladesh border.

Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to police.